Upon a cliff overlooking the Town, you’ll find this ancient fortress, a witness for the first moments of the Portuguese sovereignty. Built by order of King Afonso Henriques during the 12
th and 13 th centuries, the only vestiges of the ancient castle is a square keep with three floors and tiled roof, and part of the medieval Town’s former walls.
Located on an ancient lookout post, it provides magnificent views over the neighboring mountain ranges and the Town’s historical centre, with its narrow alleys and stone houses. Walking around the intramural area, you’ll feel smaller because of the majestic structure and the views it provides.
Raised to reinforce the authority of the recently created kingdom of Portugal, this castle had an important role in defending the Alto Minho border.
In the middle of the 13th century, after the civil war, the times went calmer, and King Afonso III rebuilt it – the remaining structure that we can see nowadays. However, this gothic reformation maintained the inner yard's Romanesque design, with the keep afar.
It’s in that square tower that we can find the Nucleo Museológico Torre de Menagem. There, you’ll be able to learn a little more about the architectonic, historic and cultural heritage of Melgaço. Wandering through its three floors, you’ll discover the municipality’s history, from the prehistoric era to the Contemporary Age.
An excellent place from where to start discovering Melgaço and where to get some information on other monuments to visit, where to eat or where to stay. Come to Melgaço and fall in love with it!
Location: Melgaço
